A mature student who says his human rights were violated when North Tyneside Council refused him a loan has taken his case to the Court of Appeal.

Eric Douglas, 59, of Whitby Gardens, Wallsend, says the council should have given him £500 to help him study for a Btec national certificate in counselling skills.

Despite having had his case thrown out by London's High Court, Mr Douglas' lawyers have appealed against the decision. He is seeking damages under the Human Rights Act claiming he was discriminated against because of his age.